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Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat!

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Stunning view of Hurricane Hole, British Virgin Islands,Caribbean Sea, mountains
Built on two levels plus a loft, the retreat offers large decks and porches
Room
Property grounds
The yellow pen points to the location of our home, surrounded by blue waters!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 283.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
St John, St John
  • Virgin Islands National Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Trunk Bay
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • West End (TOV-West End Seaplane Base)
    ‪270 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

'Life's A Beach' Suite/Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

'Master' Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Main level bathroom

Toilet · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat!

2 BR, 2 BA furnished. Tropical living off the grid, live simply and close to nature with stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean sea, solar-powered, one of only a few homes on the border of the Virgin Islands National Park and its hiking trails plus a meditation circle nestled in natural rock formations. Hike the Johnny Horn Trail 1.5 miles to the beach and snorkeling at popular Waterlemon Cay. Only half mile to Lime Out!!

Work remotely with high speed internet, workspace, view of the sea.

The open air deck with hammock, solar umbrella table, love seat and LOTS of lush tropical plants is perfect for romantic star-gazing or hammock- warming. We're close to nature, a hiker's and lovers' paradise, private and remote, open-air and silence.

Solar-powered, spacious private decks overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Coral Bay and the British Virgin Islands. Only half a mile to Coral Bay’s restaurants, bars and shops, The Lime Out (floating taco boat) and Skinny Legs and a mile and a half hike to the beach. The retreat is best suited for a couple or solo traveler. This off-the-grid eco-retreat is an open-air/partially screened home that is solar-powered, cooled by the tradewinds, sustained by tropical showers and warmed by the sun.

Coral Bay Eco-Retreat offers the unique opportunity to be in a remote location, yet only half a mile from the heart of Coral Bay. It's perfect for hikers and adventurers wanting to get away from it all and experience island eco-living “off the beaten path” in a tropical setting. Experience quiet for writing, relaxing or contemplation, punctuated by the sounds of the surf, birds, tree frogs, island sheep and donkeys. One guest claimed, 'As I watched the sun go down, I felt my blood pressure do the same!' Others have called this home a treehouse, as it is surrounded by trees and even has a tree growing right next to the bed!

The large open deck is nestled among the trees and is perfect for admiring the view, meditating during sunrise (we call it the Morning Show) or for star-gazing on a balmy Caribbean night. It offers a glass-top solar umbrella table for outdoor dining with a Caribbean Sea view, a Weber grill and a Pawley Island hammock for two for the owner's favorite sport: hammock-warming! It is accessed by 'the stairway to heaven', lighted by solar lights and dotted with hoop-vine, orchids night-blooming cirrus and turpentine trees. It’s an open sky view for stargazing or soaking up the moonlight at night, sun for tanning during the day.

The deck connects through double cypress doors to the screened-in living room which has a large comfy sofa, smart ROKU TV with netlix, charging area for electronic devices (usb and usual electrical oulets), desk with fast internet and Caribbean art, mostly of Caribbean women, created by Caribbean artists. Generally, a strong cell signal is usually available, especially for AT&T with free wireless wifi.

The island-style open-air kitchen features a very busy hummingbird feeder and a coconut banana quit feeder, attracting many tiny yellow banana quits (official bird of the Virgin Islands) who greet you each morning. This old-time Caribbean style "mermaid kitchen" has a mermaid theme including hanging skillets, kettles.
The porch-style, open air kitchen overlooks a herb /aloe garden and utilizes solar-warmed rainwater that is gravity-fed from a small water tower made of recycled 'drums'. For true water conservation and in keeping with old island traditions, the “dishwasher” is a dishpan/bamboo dish drainer in which dishwater is saved for deck and garden plants.

It has a full-sized solar-powered frig with freezer and ice cube trays, an ice chest/cooler, a non-electronic six-burner propane stove and oven (no microwave), a bar-style seating area overlooking the view, dishes, bamboo and eco-cookware, coffee-bean grinder, French press coffee pot and a stove-top toaster. Guests make their coffee by grinding their coffee beans, (bring your own favorites), boiling water and combining it in the French press- delicious!

Eight gallons of purified island drinking water (in recycled gallon jugs) are provided as well as basic kitchen essentials: dish detergent, dishes, frying pans, wok, potholders, dish towels, paper towels, trash bags,and a pantry stocked with salt and pepper, nutmeg, There is a small amount of olive oil on hand, so bring your own favorite as well as your non-perishable foods, favorite coffee and snacks.

Most airlines allow you to bring a box and/or a cooler instead of a checked suitcase which is a great idea as groceries and supplies in general are expensive and hard-to-find in St. John's small markets.....very little grows on St. John, so there's a minimal amount of organic produce or even fresh fish. It's pricey and often flown in from the States. Many guests also order online for provisions from Dolphin or Staffish markets and pick up their orders on ther way to the retreat. It's generally not as smooth as stateside grocery store operations, but its a time-saver after a long day of traveling and helps ypu avoid shopping in an unfamilar market with limited products.

The "Life's a Beach" bedroom Suite offers fabulous views from your pillow, with a queen bed with lots of pillows, a heavenly, puffy duvet and romantic and practical mosquito netting. Cooled by the tradewinds, there is also a low voltage fan. It's an open-to-nature bedroom, (3 walls!) has a private full bath, garden with island mural (created by our first guest), deck with a tree growing bedside the bed.

Open-air bathrooms feature fixtures with water-conservation flushes, a half bath on the main-floor and an indoor shower and an outdoor garden shower. Rain water is collected from the roof, stored in cisterns, considered precious, limited and carefully conserved. Guests are encouraged to take the St. John Eco-Challenge: take cool-water, St John eco-showers (not hot), limit flushing, turn off lights when not in use, dry your hair in the breeze and leave a zero 'island eco-footprint, flip-flop style'! Basic supplies toilet paper, hand soap, limited shampoo and conditioner (suggest bringing your own), shower liquid soap, towels (hand, bath and wash cloths),

At this eco-retreat, you are at one with nature; the perfect place for you if you're okay with walking up hills (80' from the driveway to the house!), up steps (25 of them to the house), love to hike and drive a rough trail in four-wheel drive. If you're not highly allergic, critter-phobic or sensitive to tropical gheckos (little lizards) or occasion flying bugs who visit this open-air home, you'll love it! Generally, the tradewinds keep mosquitoes and no-see-ums to a minimum and frogs and hermit crabs are our natural bug exterminators!

Behind the cottage, a little trail leads to the Meditation Circle, a beautiful good-vibe natural circle of huge rocks, a little cave and a fire pit. This has been the venue for full moon gatherings and women's circles and is a powerfully energetic place for meditation and contemplation under the sun or stars.

Since it's off-the-grid, there are no hair dryers, microwave, dishwasher, hot water (Note: It is solar-warmed), air conditioners, pool. But in their place are awesome views, privacy, gentle breezes, only natural sounds and star-lit nights...and a smart tv and internet! Take the St. John Eco Challenge and see how small your environmental carbon footprint can be!

If you want a great view, peace and quiet, eco-adventure and a natural setting, then Coral Bay Eco-retreat is the home for you! Must love birds!

Property manager

Allison Smith

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 12
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Relax! The vibe is all about relaxing...in the hammock, in the love seat, on the couch, in the meditation chairs.
Rejuvenate! You have a busy life and hectic schedule, so it's essential to get your mojo back!
Re-energize! Resting and relaxing are essential to great health and spiritual peace. This is the place!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

St. John

Located in St. John, this cottage is in a rural area. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Cinnamon Bay Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Tortola Cruise Ship Port. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and cycling nearby.
Map
St John, St John

What's nearby

  • Virgin Islands National Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Cinnamon Bay - 16 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Maho Beach - 24 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach - 28 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Trunk Bay - 33 min drive - 9.6 km

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Windmill Bar - ‬21 min drive
  • 1748 Restaurant
  • ‪Greengo’s - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Sun Dog Cafe - ‬26 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat! ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat! ?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat! located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Virgin Islands National Park, Waterlemon Cay and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. Johnson Bay and Ajax Peak are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kacie G.

A Luxurious Adventure in Paradise!

We had the most wonderful and relaxing time at the house. It was clean, well organized and had everything we needed. We loved the peacefulness, the birds, the view and most especially the sleeping porch. The owner was so hospitable, helpful and kind. She made this our most favorite trip to St. John so far and that's not small praise.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful retreat!

From the moment we arrived on the island, Allison was so helpful and welcoming! We had to cut our visit short because I got sick just after we arrived, but the house was wonderful and we hope to return soon for the longer trip we had planned. The beds were very comfy and the view was incredible. We also enjoyed watching all the wildlife around the property. Overall, minus my getting sick, it was a wonderful trip! Thank you for everything Allison!

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline B., Tioga Pennsylvania USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Views for days!

My husband and I LOVED Allison's place. It is very open and to me it felt kind of like camping but with all the comforts. We were up every morning to watch the spectacular sun rise which you can enjoy without leaving the bed. Bugs were never an issue but if little lizards and crabs creep you out you may want to stay elsewhere. We enjoyed having them around and even gave them knick names. I have never stayed anywhere where the host was so thoughtful. Her place is very well stocked and she has so many little notes around to tell you what's what. She even left me a special birthday treat. Thank you Allison for allowing us to enjoy your Retreat. I can't wait to come again.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Tom & Lindy H., Hillsborough, NC

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good but not good enough for 5 stars

Pros: Great location if you like to hike which we do. View is spectacular and in spite of the “cons” below we encourage you to be adventurous and rent Allison’s cottage: We only share thr “con’s” so you will have a more realistic understanding of what your experience will be like renting this cottage than you may otherwise have from just reading the VRBO description of the cottage and with the hopes that our comments will spur Allison to give the cottage the deep cleaning and maintenance TLC it needs and install a proper solar shower that really does provide a hot shower. Cions: The cottage needs some TLC regarding maintenance and also needs a deep cleaning. There is also another cottage within a 100 feet and with no doors or windows on Allison’s house you can hear literally every word renters in the other house say when they are on their porch. We were at Allison’s house for a month and most of the groups of renters in the other house were respectful and not an issue but one couple had a full blown domestic meltdown complete with bodily threats towards each other etc and it was not a pleasant experience. You need to be aware that the “not hot” solar showers Allison refers to in her description are COLD and not warm which is disappointing since there is super abundant sunshine and it would be easy and “doable” to install a proper solar shower to furnish hot water to the fiberglass shower in the bathroom next to the bedroom rather than only furnish (as she does) a black vinyl bag so-called “solar shower” in an outdoor “shower” with the black vinyl bag of water in the shade and not hot as a result & not getting much direct sun and not pressurized. That “solar shower” experience consists of alternating a low pressure small stream of barely luke warm water with grabbing the other water source at the “shower” which is a much higher pressure COLD water garden hose to have enough water pressure to rinse. The other major disappointment with the house is the very poor condition of the “road” going to the house. It was not disappointing because of the steepness since in the mountains roads are expected to be steep. The problem with the road is that the handful of people who live on it seem to not want to spend the money to properly maintain it and the island rains have washed out the road to the extent that it is very tedious and neck snapping and bone jarring to drive up and down the mountain even at less than 5 miles per hour.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gabriela R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking views, starry nights, immersed in nature!

Allison, our host was flexible and allowed us to change the dates. She is a kind soul. Her property is nestled in nature and there is animal life everywhere. Easy access for hiking, beaches and amazing trails from her place. An unforgettable experience. Feeling very grateful.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Retreat

Thank you so much to Allison for allowing us to come down and stay in this wonderful little, well-built, special home to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary. We could feel her loving care in every detail. We really appreciate Allison bending over backwards to let us come during this extraordinary summer of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. We know she made special efforts to allow us to be here, and we really appreciate it. Our time here has been absolutely wonderful, including our adventures getting here (we got a little lost at first after taking a wrong turn). We highly recommend this home to the right people. It is not for those that are seeking a four star hotel with all the amenities, it is for those who are seeking a wonderful getaway off the beaten path who don’t mind working a bit to get here.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Erik B., Lexington

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect stay, a perfect week!

Love the location, including the rigorous jeep approach; the isolation that resulted was worth every bump in the rocky road. Allison could not have been more responsive and helpful. We're planning on two weeks next year, and even that seems too short!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Pascale P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A piece of paradise in the trees

We loved our stay at the Eco Retreat! The views of the islands are breathtaking and waking up with the sunrise was incredible. We enjoyed getting on the park trail right next to the house and accessing beaches on the north coast that way. Allison was a perfect host, very responsive to our questions and full of great advice. It is a steep and exciting drive up to the retreat and having 4WD was a must! Well worth it to access this beautiful, peaceful and private piece of paradise!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Patrick M., Denver USA

Best in St John!

A wonderful stay! Best view on east side of St John, from decks to bedroom! A secluded, private retreat, but easily accessible to beaches, restaurants and other services. I will gladly stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Devon S., Reno, NV

A uniquely charming and secluded open-air cottage with breathtaking views!

Allison’s Coral Bay ecoretreat cottage was an absolute dream. My husband and I stayed there on our honeymoon in April 2017. I had a vision of a private cottage somewhere tropical, which was surprisingly hard to find! We stumbled across this cottage while searching all of central America, Hawaii, and the Caribbean for something, and I couldn’t have been happier with out choice. Allison warned us that it would be a rough 4x4 road to the house with a nice steep set of stairs. We felt pretty comfortable with that situation - we’re active, work in natural resources and have to drive bad roads for work a lot of the time - so we signed up. She is not lying about the road or the stairs! It was doable, but definitely an adventure :P It made us plan our days ahead of time so we minimized the number of trips up and down that road per day, which I ended up really enjoying. The cottage is adorable and it’s obvious that a lot of love went into the design. There are personal touches everywhere, and the open-air bedroom is so dreamy. It’s definitely the type of place you could be just sitting in the hammock, reading a book and letting the day pass by. We were never in a rush to leave the cottage :) I loved feeling like I was part of nature - the little bananaquit birds do come right up to you as if they’re asking for sugar, little anole lizards skitter around in the evenings, and we even saw a hermit crab crawling around outside. The kitchen frog didn’t show up until our last day when we accidentally left the kettle lid open :-o and found him in there the next morning! We really enjoyed off-the-grid living. It ended up just feeling like a REALLY luxurious camping trip and we loved being on that natural camping sleep schedule: wake with the sunrise (absolutely stunning view out of the Love Nest), fall asleep shortly after sunset. This worked out most nights except for the one where we partied hard in Coral Bay and didn’t get back until 11pm - no worries, there are solar lamps to light your way up the stairs! I seriously would love to come back to this cottage. St. John was lovely, too. We made no plans other than “get on plane, get rental car to cottage” and it was still a magical vacation. We spent our days snorkeling in all the little bays that are easily accessible by jeep or on foot, we hiked the Johnny Horn Trail to Waterlemon Cay (do it! We saw 4 sea turtles up close in the water!), and successfully visited (I think) every bar and restaurant in Coral Bay.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Winnie R.

Perfect treehouse for us!

Seeking adventurous, good natured people! If you enjoy solitude, unbelievable views, a refreshing breeze, geckos on the spice rack, birds all around, hermit crabs traveling through your shower, driving your jeep like they do in TV commercials, plus you're willing to wash your own dishes, conserve resources (water and electricity are precious commodities here!), and grab a broom to sweep off the deck after a rainy or windy night, then this place is for you! If you crave a busy, sterile all-inclusive resort with drinks by the pool, maids and turn-down service, then keep looking. Allison is a super host and the place is so lovely that it's hard to know where to begin. She responded to our texts and mini-emergencies promptly -such as referring a chiropractor when one of our group had a back issue flare up (she always adds, "tell him you're staying at my place, he's a good friend" with any referral). I read another review suggesting not to use the kitchen. Au contraire! We cooked nearly all our meals here and packed lunches. Love this kitchen! Except one basket over the stove hangs too low for tall people;) so we used it on the counter to thwart bird attacks on our food. Bonus: the kitchen is in the shady part of the house so you can cook whenever and not get baked by the sun. If you're a serious cook, you will appreciate the well-seasoned cast iron pans in a variety of sizes. Two items to add- a mixing bowl and a cheese grater (so we improvised), but otherwise the kitchen has everything you need- including a coffee grinder (we brought our fav fair trade, shade grown, organic roasted beans from home). Word of caution: don't leave that banana you started eating and set down for a sec on the counter and walk away- not even for a minute! Those thieving pearly-eyed thrashers (birds sized like a jay) will help themselves!! Toss a dish towel, plate, or upside down basket over your precious food and all will be well, lol. You really have to be the right sort of people to enjoy this quiet, out of the way treehouse for grown ups. We thought about camping but didn't want to schlep our gear here. This was more like glamping- you feel nestled in mother natures lap, but with a comfy bed and amenities like wifi and a charging dock whenever you want it. It was the perfect spot for us!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Teri M.

Peaceful tree-house living

Warning- if you don't like camping and nature, this is not the place for you! Now that that's out of the way, the Coral Bay eco retreat was freaking awesome!!! This peaceful, secluded, off the grid tree-house lands you 'far from the maddening crowd'. In staying, one experiences true off the grid living with solar power, a propane stove, indoor plumbing fed by captured rain water, and discharged into a septic. There is an indoor and outdoor shower that isn't heated, so be prepared for a cool shower... but in the hot sun it can be refreshing. If it's too cold for you, just heat some water on the stove to bathe with. Be prepared for critters to scurry about and bring bug spray.... again just like camping (or perhaps eco-glamping in this case). You also want to stock up on drinking water because it's too risky to drink rain water stored in unsealed containers. This tree house was relaxing and helped me reset my circadian rhythm that was so interrupted from my busy and hectic job a software engineer. My hubby is an env. scientist, so needless to say, we both were in heaven. We experienced multiple engagements with the bananaquints you can hand feed, humming birds, geckos, lizards, hawks, finches, millipedes, and even found a tarantula in its hole! Sleeping outside, under the stars in the mosquito net, and being naturally woke up with the sunrise was awesome. Thank you, Allison, for sharing your retreat with us!!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Adrian W.

Great

We had a wonderful trip. Allison was very thoughtful in checking up with us throughout the week. My daughter (16) and I loved being off the grid and so close to so much natural beauty. It was a cathartic trip for me. I needed it. Maybe metamorphic for her which is what I was hoping for. She has always loved animals and nature and this was a perfect place for her to experience the islands at as close as possible to its natural state. It was her first time in the islands and I am sure she will never forget it. I loved the hiking and the snorkeling...even though I had been to many of the trails and bays before...it was almost like the first time all over again when you get to show it to someone for their first time. I would love to come back again and stay here again. Maybe bring the wife next time. It was an adventure.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kristin W.

Peaceful retreat

We stayed at Concordia twice but could never spend much time on our deck and enjoy the views because of wind, heat, or bugs. At this cottage, we were comfortably outside on our deck, day and night. The views are spectacular. Rolling over in bed to watch the sunrise never got old. If you haven't been to the island before, Allyson's care and attention will make you feel at home.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jody z.

can't wait to go back

We stayed for 10 days & it was one of the best vacations we ever had. It was relaxing, great views & very peaceful. We're already talking about when we'll return. If you are looking to get away from it all - this is the place to go! It's worth the hike to the top. Allison had every detail thought out in the house - it was very comfortable. We highly recommend eating at Oasis for fantastic 'comfort' food. We would highly recommend this place!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Daniel P.

Perfect eco friendly getaway

We spent our honeymoon in the Eco retreat, and it was exactly what we wanted. We loved waking up to see the phenomenal sunrises and watching the birds from the love nest. It was also great to walk out the door and begin a hike to the Johnny Horn Trail which leads to Waterlemon Bay, an excellent and secluded snorkeling spot. The Eco Retreat surpassed our expectations. We highly recommend it to those who want to be one with nature.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Laurie R.

Unique Property with Spectacular Views

The Eco Retreat is a special place. We wanted privacy, nature, charm, creature comforts and a bit of adventure. The Retreat provided all of that and more. The views are spectacular. Allison, our very accommodating owner, did everything possible to make our stay pleasant, including picking up our groceries from Star Market. She is extremely responsive to questions and requests and a pleasure to deal with. She even keeps a cell phone at the house in case your service doesn’t work. Both beds are extremely comfortable with nice linens, and the open-air bedroom is like no other place you will rest your head. You wake up to birdsong and a Caribbean sunrise. The kitchen has everything you need to cook, but it's not the type of home where you will want to prepare complex meals that involve many pans and serving dishes. Use the time you save washing dishes by hand to sit on the deck! We cooked big breakfasts and packed lunches and ate out the other evenings. Coral Bay has great restaurants, including Indigo Grill, Skinny Legs, Pickles and Aqua Bistro. Some considerations. You definitely need a four-wheel drive jeep to get up to the house and then you climb 45 steps. Your water is heated by the sun, so it's warm, not hot. (We found it refreshing after a long day.) We always had electricity from the solar panels, but we were careful to only use what we needed. The power went out a few times on St. John but not for us! You should be the kind of person who laughs and grabs the camera when a gecko invades your space, and love having banana quits eat sugar from your hand and hummingbirds zoom by your head. All of this added to the appeal of the house for us. We were there in the dry season. You may or may not find the mosquitoes to be a problem. My daughter had multiple bites, I had some and my other friend had none. My daughter may have been bitten on the beaches and in the woods as we saw no mosquitoes or flying insects at the house, probably due to the constant breeze. She started using OFF Botanical Lotion (plant-based ingredient found in eucalyptus plants) and that seemed to help. I loved being off the grid. I have Verizon so my phone never worked anywhere on St. John. The internet wasn’t always reliable (a function of the island). I adjusted immediately and left the real world behind. I highly recommend you do the same, and start by renting Allison’s retreat.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca C.

So wonderful I'm tempted to keep it a secret

Allison's house-not to mention Allison--are everything you could ask for if you want a peaceful, private, quiet, bright and colorful, clean, cozy, comfortable and unique retreat. It was exactly what I was looking for. It is perfectly appointed with the essentials: cooking equipment, utensils, stove, fridge, grill, coolers, drinking water supplied, basic cooking spices, guide books, maps--even an onsite massage table! I was so entranced by the birds, hammock and views that I had no use for the tv/video equipment, but it's there if you want it. Allison also provided a local cell phone, which came in handy because my carrier (Verizon) had no service there. The outdoor bed, bathroom and kitchen were my favorite things, besides the bananaquits Allison has trained to eat out of your hand. Allison was the consummate host, leading me from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay, stopping along the way to point out premium views, and then up the steep, rough hill to the house in my first-ever 4WD adventure. (I loved the drive after my virgin ascent--very proud of myself every time I conquered it.) She picked up my grocery order before meeting me, and helped me carry it up those infamous 44 steps--which, rather than a hassle, were a great way to enforce a bit of exercise, which made me feel productive and healthy on days when I otherwise just happily lazed around. On get-up-and-go days, it was lovely to be located smack dab on the Johnny Horne Trail. Allison was also a godsend when my travel was screwed up on my way down--she was so understanding about the stress the situation created, which helped me let it go; she arranged my stop-gap accommodations in St. Thomas; and gave very helpful advice for the hours I was stuck there. In short, if I ever return to the Virgin Islands, this is without a doubt where I will stay. I will arrange my travel dates so that I can get it, because no matter how many other great places to stay there may be, I found my home at this house.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

A true home away from home

This little retreat was amazing. It was hard to leave and venture out into Coral Bay because this place was a vacation by itself. The view was amazing . . . There were so many moments while at the eco-retreat that we realized that Allison had gone above and beyond to make this place one you will never forget. If you want to step away from the busy life and into a place that you can rest and replenish the soul . . . this is it!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rick T.

Memorable Experience!

This was a perfect escape from New England's winter! Every day there was a new, beautiful sunrise (we have lots of sunrise pictures!). Being home (back to cold/snow) we have had time to reflect. This was one of our all time most memorable adventures. To be in an open-aired living environment for two weeks was unique in itself. We had no problem adjusting to the off-grid experience - limited water usage, cool showers, solar electricity, natural 'air conditioning'! It was private and remote. The 4-wheel jeep ride up/down the access road became routine. As did the exercise of walking up/down the steep hill/stairs to reach this true tree house. It was quiet. It had gorgeous views. Nature was all around us. We loved the bananaquits and the hummingbirds. Even came to enjoy the shy encounters with the geckos and Freddy! We found ourselves so relaxed and comfortable that we did not feel the need to leave this place. Although we did take a daily trip down to the Oasis Restaurant for dinner take-out. Highly recommend! Our evenings were as memorable sitting waiting for and watching the moonrise. Moonlight became our nightlight! The starry sky was spectacular and we spent many hours sitting on the deck watching it and enjoying the solitude. This is definitely a wonderful place to reconnect with your loved one and find peace within yourself. When we left we felt we were ready to rejoin the pace of life, but we now reflect upon those two week as a very special time and a longing escape there again. Maybe next year?
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Loved, loved loved this place!

We had a fantastic time in this off the grid getaway.....talk about disconnecting...in the best of ways...this is a great place to do that. We loved being out doors laying in the double hammock, eating under the solar lit umbrella and cooking in the open air kitchen with the bananaquits. The view is the best we have ever had in St John. My very favorite part was the outdoor bed, with mosquito netting, that had the most phenomenal view of the sunrise....from the pillow. Allison was very responsive when we were making the plans. And the house was well thought out and definitely had everything we needed. I definitely recommend to people who like the outdoors and really want to get away.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mieka S.

Tree House Living at it's Finest

My husband and I both agreed that our favorite part of our St. John vacation was greeting the sun each morning in our cozy tree house bed; the muted pastel of the sunrise sky perfectly complimented by the baby blue accents of the deck made even softer seen through the gossamer of the rustling, romantic netting surrounding us, the cacophonous sounds of the jungle ready with a serenade. Breaking the spell and getting out of bed was rewarded with a strong cup of coffee and breakfast taken on the upstairs deck where the sweeping views were even more impressive. Allison was a wonderful host and made sure that we had everything we needed for a self-sufficient getaway. She provided wonderful information and plenty of communication before our arrival to ensure we had a relaxing and stress-free vacation. That strong coffee I brought from home was on Allison's recommendation. Our rental car was waiting for us at the ferry was thanks to Allison contacting our car company in advance of our arrival. Allison greeted us there herself and gave us an escort from Cruz Bay to the cottage, making sure to point out important sign-posts and landmarks which were vital to our navigation throughout the trip. We even had groceries waiting for us upon arrival (provided by St. John Provisions) thanks to a recommendation from Allison. The well appointed kitchen provided most of our meals, the only disappointment being that the gas grill was not working properly during our stay. The cottage was exactly as described and we had no issues limiting our water or power needs as required for the house's ecosystem. The only word of warning I would add to this review is that the mosquitoes were savage. My husband and I used some serious Deet based repellant and it was still not enough to avoid dozens of bites on our legs and arms. The nets were mostly sufficient (though some slipped through stray holes) but as soon as we were in the open we were beset upon immediately and had to spray ourselves liberally. Certainly a small price to pay for the wonderful experience of open air-living but should be taken into account. All of the many other critters (lizards, birds, bees, geckos etc) were delightful and welcome. If we ever visit St. John again we would not hesitate to book Allison's cottage again for our stay.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Elke B.

Vacation of a lifetime

This was the vacation of a lifetime for us. Allison is correct in saying that if you loved Maho Bay Camps, you’ll love her Eco Retreat. It’s better! There is privacy, the most amazing view and there are more levels of comfort. We loved being able to pack our snorkeling gear and hike to Waterlemon Bay or Brown Bay. If you wish to explore the entire island, you need to rent a car. We had a Jeep for a part of our stay. Allison is an amazing person, businesswoman and host. She went above and beyond, and is a pleasure to correspond with and talk to. We did not miss a thing at the cottage and when our travels take us back to St. John, we hope to find her place available for rent.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

james h.

Incredible Getaway From it all!!

My wife and I are on our last night here and we just wanted to write this while it is all fresh on our minds. Leaving a house of 9 people for this retreat was exactly what we both needed and it lived up to every dream we had. Great property. Incredible views and just a fantastic way to take some time to ourselves and relax. We loved it!!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gwendolyn L.

Off the Charts!

This was hands down one of the best vacation retreats I've ever taken. Off the Grid, Off the Beaten Path and Off the Charts- phenomenal! Part tree house, part sail boat/sail loft, the house is a labor of love, very thoughtful and inviting. The views were spectacular, trade winds welcoming and the night sky felt within reach with a gazillion stars. I opted not to rent a jeep and although strenuous hiking it was well worth the effort. There are a number of amazing beaches and ruins within hiking distance if you are up for what I came to call a "Bootcamp for the Soul". Off the Beaten Track (copy in the house) will be your bible, it is dog-eared for good reason. This is the best place to unplug and decompress- listen to the cacophony of nature, and reenter your sensory world. Allison went over and above to ensure that my stay was enjoyable and memorable. I would go back in a heartbeat. Can't imagine a better home-base for a revival of the spirit. This gem way up on the hillside made for a genuine eco-adventure on St. John.

About the host

Hosted by Allison Smith

Host profile image
37 uear resident of St. John, Allison offers her eco-home to fellow nature-lover guests as a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. She built the home herself (with a little help from her friends!) over a period of 15 years during a time of minimal access to basic construction services; ie she took materials up the rigorous Johnny Horn Trail in her jeep! She's created a natural home, complete with many birds and hopes that you'll find the same serenity as you watch the sunrise from your bed! She lives on a nearby smaller island and is readily available to help in any way. She grew up in Florida and sailed to the Virgin Islands in her own sailboat, spending five months at sea en route. She has devoted her life to service, first as a school counselor, then as the 'island shrink' and founder and director of the islands first non-profit organization, the People Moving Forward Foundation. Guided to create spiritual growth opportunities, she created Rejuvenation Vacations, specializing in retreats for relaxation, yoga and spiritual growth. She has taught workshops and classes on A Course in Miracles, prosperity consciousness, living an optimum life experience and is recently credentialed as a Licensed Unity Teacher through Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. Until the pandemic, she led weekly community meditation gatherings on Peace Hill and taught Wednesday classes under the gri gri tree in Pickles Deli's backyard. She has a beautiful daughter, Angie, sic fabulous grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
She has a PhD in spiritual counseling,, MA in counseling and a double major BA in psychology and sociology.

Why they chose this property

The Coral Bay Eco Retreat offers an opportunity to experience off-the-grid living in a tropical setting. The energy of the home, overlooking the VI National Park as well as bordering it, provides a serene and peaceful setting with an awesome view and silence, a rare commodity in these times! At one point, it was a haven for 'rescue goats' who had been injured or abandoned, as an adjunct to the island's animal care center, hosting as many as 15 little goats in a stable built by her and her grandson. To be clear, the "goat years" are over, but we're still visited by many free-roaming donkeys, goats, sheep and deer. This house is like no other, unique and sweet, simple and close to nature.

What makes this property unique

* Location! Located uniquely on the historic Johnny Horn Trail, on the border of the Virgin Islands National Park, you're only a half mile jeep ride or hike from the heart of Coral Bay with its shops, bars and restaurants and a mile from the beaches of the VI National Park, including the famous snorkeling of Waterlemon Cay. Peaceful and quiet!
* Unique home: open air, solar-powered, gathered rain water, trees growing through the decks, lots of birds, sustainable, zero footprint!
* most of the time, the only sounds you hear are natural

Languages:

English